Vols Football: 5 Players Poised for a Breakout 2015 Season

Sep 27, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs against Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Todd Kelly Jr. (6) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

5. Todd Kelly Jr., Safety

Although LaDarrell McNeil will be a returning senior and 3-year starter at safety for the Vols, he hasn’t faced competition at his spot like he will this offseason.

Todd Kelly Jr. made a splash as a freshman in 2014, registering 33 total tackles, 2 pass breakups, and 3 interceptions, including a toe-tapping pick near the sideline against Vanderbilt that helped the Vols clinch a bowl-eligible regular season. He showed great athleticism and awareness, especially for a freshman, playing in all 13 games and making 3 starts.

Kelly was a highly-touted 4-star safety coming out of high school, and he showed flashes of why in 2014 with some athletic plays in the secondary and on special teams. Kelly also has intangibles that can’t be measured on the stat sheet, such as leadership and and a nose for the ball.

McNeil won’t give up his spot as the starting safety opposite Brian Randolph easily, but Kelly has all the tools to make it a fierce competition. Even if Kelly doesn’t win the starting job, he’ll likely contribute even more as a sophomore, potentially putting his name firmly on the national radar for his junior season.